Jolly Roger Pirate Flag Description:Jolly Roger Pirate Flag. Measuring 12-inches by 18-inches, this mighty icon of high seas thievery can be yours for a great low price! Made of the finest nylon, the Jolly Roger can (and should) hang proudly from your wall, flagpole, or car. "Avast, ye scurvy grocery truck, and prepare to be boarded!" This flag is packaged in a plastic bag with an illustrated header card, and metal grommets are attached to the flag for easy hanging.

Pirate ships always used flags, but it wasn't until the early 1700s that pirates started hoisting black flags decorated with ominous symbols and morbid imagery called Jolly Rogers. The basic Jolly Roger featured a skull above crossbones which symbolized the crew's reckless disregard for life and announced the deadly consequences of resisting their attack.

Variations of this classic icon appeared as creative pirates started to embellish their flags with new symbols in an attempt to differentiate themselves from the competition. Crossed swords were used to represent a swift and violent death to anyone who resisted, red drops represented blood and hourglasses warned that time was running out for victims to surrender.

Despite their confrontational tone, the main purpose of the Jolly Roger was to intimidate target ships into surrendering without a fight. Some of the best pirates were so good at this psychological warfare that they succeeded mostly on the strength of their nasty reputation and an imposing Jolly Roger.